10-Day Family Adventure in Hokkaido, Japan - Winter Wonders and Cultural Delights

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

Sapporo, Japan on January 5, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Kinotoya Bake

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and Hokkaido milk soft serve in this popular bakery, perfect for a light but delicious start.
JPY800, 1h0m

10:30am

Sapporo Clock Tower

Visit one of Sapporo's historical landmarks; a symbol of the city's development with interesting exhibits about its history.
JPY200, 0h45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Sapporo Beer Garden

Savor the local specialty, Genghis Khan (lamb BBQ), in a lively setting alongside fresh Sapporo beer.
JPY2500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Odori Park and Sapporo TV Tower

Stroll through the snow-covered Odori Park and take an elevator up the TV Tower to enjoy panoramic city views.
JPY720, 1h0m

4:00pm

Susukino District Walk

Explore Susukino, the entertainment district, for its vibrant atmosphere and shops; great for souvenirs.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sapporo Ramen Republic

Taste various styles of Hokkaido ramen under one roof, a must-try for families during winter.
JPY1200, 1h0m
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Day 2: Otaru Canal & Glassworks

Otaru, Japan on January 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at LeTAO Main Store

Enjoy famous desserts and coffee at this iconic Otaru patisserie known for its cheesecake.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Travel to Otaru from Sapporo

A 30-minute scenic train ride northwest to charming Otaru, famous for its historic canal and glass crafts.
JPY640, 0h30m

10:15am

Otaru Canal Walk

Walk along the picturesque snow-dusted canal lined with old warehouses converted into shops and cafés.
Free, 1h15m

11:45am

Kitachi Glass Studio

Watch artisans create beautiful glass pieces and try glass blowing with the kids in a fun workshop.
JPY2000, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Otaru Sushi Street

Enjoy fresh seafood and sushi at one of Otaru’s famous sushi restaurants, perfect for family dining.
JPY3000, 1h

3:00pm

Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery Visit

Take a short trip to Yoichi for a guided tour of the famous whisky distillery with tasting options for adults.
JPY500, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Sapporo

Travel back to Sapporo by train to rest before dinner.
JPY640, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Soup Curry GARAKU, Sapporo

Warm up with Hokkaido-style soup curry featuring seasonal vegetables, a family favorite.
JPY1500, 1h0m
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Day 3: Asahikawa Zoo & Festivals

Asahikawa, Japan on January 7, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel in Sapporo

Enjoy a hearty Japanese breakfast to start a day of exploration.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Asahikawa

Take the limited express train to Asahikawa, about 1.5 hours away, to experience the famous zoo.
JPY2900, 1h30m

10:00am

Asahiyama Zoo

See unique animal enclosures that encourage active behavior, including the penguin parade, a winter highlight.
JPY1000, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Asahikawa Ramen Village

Taste various Asahikawa ramen styles at this ramen alley, perfect for warming up during winter.
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Asahikawa Winter Festival Visit (if open in January)

Enjoy spectacular snow and ice sculptures on display in the city center, a magical winter festival experience.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Asahikawa shopping streets

Browse shops and pick up local crafts and souvenirs before heading back to Sapporo.
Free, 1h0m

5:30pm

Return to Sapporo

Travel back to Sapporo for overnight stay.
JPY2900, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho

Enjoy another delicious bowl of ramen at this alley famed for Hokkaido’s ramen variety.
JPY1200, 1h0m
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Day 4: Furano Snow & Nature

Furano, Japan on January 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a filling breakfast to enjoy the outdoors in Furano.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Furano

A journey of approx. 2 hours by train and bus to reach this snowy scenic area.
JPY3500, 2h0m

10:30am

Furano Ski Resort - Snow Play Area

Enjoy snow activities such as tubing and gentle slopes suitable for families with kids.
JPY3000, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Furano Delice

Dine on light meals and exquisite cakes in a cozy café popular with families.
JPY1200, 1h0m

3:00pm

Ningle Terrace

Visit this charming crafts village with wooden cottages selling local artisan goods, a magical winter experience.
Free, 1h0m

4:30pm

Return to Sapporo

Head back to Sapporo for overnight rest.
JPY3500, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sapporo’s Jingisukan Daruma

Try the famous lamb BBQ once more in an authentic and cozy setting, perfect to end the day.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 5: Biei Scenic & Art

Biei, Japan on January 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before a day of scenic beauty exploration.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Biei

A scenic 2-hour train and bus ride to this beautiful town famous for sweeping winter landscapes.
JPY3000, 2h0m

10:30am

Shikisai no Oka Flower Hill

Visit this vast flower garden offering panoramic views and seasonal winter beauty.
JPY600, 1h0m

11:45am

Patchwork Road and Blue Pond Visit

Explore the famous outdoor scenic spots covered in snow with surreal blue waters and photogenic fields.
Free, 2h30m

2:30pm

Lunch at a Local Café in Biei

Enjoy homemade Hokkaido dishes with warm seasonal ingredients, perfect for families.
JPY1500, 1h0m

3:30pm

Travel back to Sapporo

Return trip to Sapporo to prepare for next day’s travel.
JPY3000, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sapporo Central Seafood Market

Try fresh seafood donburi and other delicacies, showcasing Hokkaido’s rich marine life.
JPY2000, 1h0m
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Day 6: Noboribetsu Onsen Hot Springs

Noboribetsu, Japan on January 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty meal before traveling to Noboribetsu for relaxation.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Noboribetsu

A 1.5-hour train ride to Hokkaido’s famous hot spring town.
JPY2300, 1h30m

10:30am

Jigokudani (Hell Valley)

Explore the dramatic volcanic landscapes with steaming vents and sulfurous streams, fascinating for all ages.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at local Noboribetsu restaurant

Sample regional specialties like Hokkaido crab and hot pot meals.
JPY2000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Onsen Hot Spring Bath Experience

Relax in family-friendly hot springs; many ryokans offer private family baths for comfort.
JPY1500, 2h0m

4:00pm

Noboribetsu Bear Park

Visit the park to see and learn about bears native to the region; cable car access adds adventure.
JPY1200, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ryokan or Local Izakaya

Enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Lake Toya Scenery

Lake Toya, Japan on January 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare for a day of natural beauty with a good breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Lake Toya

Short transfer from Noboribetsu to the stunning caldera lake, about 1 hour by bus.
JPY800, 1h0m

10:00am

Lake Toya Scenic Cruise

Take a family-friendly boat cruise around the serene lake with crisp winter views.
JPY1600, 1h0m

11:30am

Mount Usu Ropeway

Ride up to the crater edge for spectacular views of volcanic activity and Lake Toya.
JPY1200, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Lake Toya Hot Spring Resort

Sample fresh local seafood and soups to warm the body after outdoor activities.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Toya Onsen Foot Bath

Relax in free foot baths by the lake shore, a nice outing to soothe tired feet.
Free, 0h30m

3:00pm

Travel back to Sapporo

Return for last two days in city or onward travel connections.
JPY3200, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sapporo Sushi Zanmai

Celebrate last nights with delightfully fresh and diverse sushi options.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Sapporo Cultural Day

Sapporo, Japan on January 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Maruyama Pancake Café

Enjoy fluffy pancakes paired with Hokkaido butter cream in a cozy setting loved by families.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Hokkaido Shrine Visit

Explore this beautiful shrine surrounded by winter forest, an important spiritual site in Sapporo.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Historical Village of Hokkaido

Visit this open-air museum showcasing buildings from Hokkaido's pioneer era, interactive and educational for kids.
JPY800, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at a nearby café

Light Japanese-Western fusion dishes with local ingredients for a relaxed meal.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Sapporo Beer Museum

Learn about the history of beer in Japan with tastings and family-friendly exhibits.
JPY500, 1h30m

4:30pm

Shopping and strolling around Tanukikoji Shopping Street

Browse local shops and food stalls to pick final souvenirs.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Sapporo Nijo Market

Feast on fresh seafood including crab, perfect for the family’s last dinner in Hokkaido.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 9: Leisure & Departure Prep

Sapporo, Japan on January 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before packing up.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Moerenuma Park

Explore this vast, creatively landscaped park featuring snow sculptures and playgrounds, great for kids.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at park café

Refuel with light meals and drinks inside the park.
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to hotel and relax

Pack and rest in preparation for departure.
Free, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Misono Sapporo

Enjoy teppanyaki-style dinner for a memorable final meal.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 10: Departure Day

Sapporo, Japan on January 14, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast before heading to the airport.
Included, 0h45m

7:00am

Travel to New Chitose Airport

Take the JR train or airport limousine bus to the airport for your departure flight.
JPY1100, 1h0m

8:00am

Check-in and Departure

Prepare for international departure back home.
N/A, N/A
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